The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a categorical directive prohibiting the charging of fees for the issuance of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificates. This announcement comes in the wake of a widely circulated video depicting a headmaster allegedly demanding GH¢200 from students as payment for their WASSCE certificates. The video captures the headmaster’s insistence that students must pay the stipulated amount or risk forfeiting their certificates, even challenging them to pursue legal action. This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the potential exploitation of students by school authorities. The GES’s intervention seeks to clarify the established procedures for certificate collection and assure students and parents that no such fees are sanctioned.
The GES, through its Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer, Henry Osei Boateng, has unequivocally affirmed that the cost of WAEC certificates is fully incorporated into the WASSCE registration fees. Speaking on Otec FM’s morning show “Nyansapo,” Mr. Osei Boateng emphasized that no additional charges should be levied for the issuance of these certificates. He stated that the only justifiable reason for a student to make a payment to the school would be to settle any outstanding debts owed to the institution. This clarification seeks to dispel any ambiguity surrounding the certificate collection process and reinforce the GES’s commitment to ensuring fair and transparent practices within the educational system.
Mr. Osei Boateng’s statement underscores the GES’s zero-tolerance policy towards the unauthorized collection of fees by school administrators. He warned that any head teacher found to be engaging in such practices will be subject to the full disciplinary procedures of the GES. These disciplinary actions, he explained, would involve summoning the accused head teacher before the Disciplinary Committee, where a thorough investigation would be conducted. If found guilty, appropriate sanctions would be applied, commensurate with the severity of the offense. This stern warning serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers and underscores the GES’s dedication to maintaining accountability and ethical conduct within its ranks.
The GES’s proactive response to this incident demonstrates its commitment to protecting the interests of students and upholding the integrity of the educational system. By publicly condemning the alleged extortion and outlining the correct procedures for certificate collection, the GES aims to prevent further exploitation and maintain public trust. Moreover, the organization’s willingness to take disciplinary action against erring head teachers sends a strong message that such misconduct will not be tolerated. This decisive stance reinforces the GES’s commitment to creating a fair and equitable learning environment for all students.
The GES’s call for students and parents to report any instances of illegal fee collection further strengthens its stance against these practices. By encouraging the reporting of such incidents, the GES empowers students and parents to become active participants in maintaining transparency and accountability within the education system. This collaborative approach emphasizes the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the ethical and appropriate management of educational resources.
The GES’s prompt action in addressing this issue not only resolves the immediate concern but also lays the groundwork for preventing future occurrences. By clarifying the proper procedures, establishing stringent disciplinary measures, and encouraging community involvement, the GES is working to create a system where students can access their rightful credentials without facing undue financial burdens or exploitation. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the GES’s commitment to fostering a just and equitable educational landscape for all students in Ghana. This commitment extends beyond simply providing education to ensuring that the entire educational process is conducted with integrity and respect for the rights of all involved.
